By Shawn Henry 
A man is in custody in Harris County after deputies say he rammed multiple vehicles and led law enforcement on a prolonged pursuit that ended in a SWAT standoff along the Eastex Freeway.
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began just before 10 p.m. Sunday when deputies received a report of a hit-and-run involving a large truck. When deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled, triggering a chase that lasted approximately one hour and 15 minutes across northeast Harris County.
Authorities described the vehicle as a “military-style” truck that barreled through roadways as deputies pursued. During the chase, deputies said the driver struck an estimated 10 vehicles before the pursuit was initiated. Law enforcement attempted multiple tactics to stop the vehicle, including deploying spike strips and firing shots, but the driver continued to evade officers.
The pursuit ultimately came to an end on U.S. 59 near Little York after the truck’s tires were disabled. Once stopped, the driver remained inside the vehicle, prompting deputies to shut down the Eastex Freeway for several hours as a precaution. A SWAT team was called to the scene after repeated verbal commands failed to bring the situation to a peaceful conclusion.
After a prolonged standoff, deputies deployed tear gas, which led to the driver’s arrest. Authorities said the suspect did not comply with commands until chemical agents were used. No injuries were reported among deputies, motorists, or the suspect.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as 53-year-old Omar Moreno. He has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault and one count of evading. Investigators said there was no immediate indication that the suspect fired shots at deputies, though officials noted that possibility is still under review.
The motive for the incident remains unclear, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office has been notified.
Court records show Moreno has a prior felony offense from April 2025 involving the theft of a vehicle. In that case, the stolen car was later found disabled on the Hardy Toll Road, and Moreno was sentenced to 70 days in jail.
Deputies said the investigation into Sunday night’s events remains ongoing.
Photo via Harris County Sheriff’s Office
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Elizabeth Puckett